Spiritual science behind offering various substances to Shri Ganesh

Importance of specific substances in the worship of Shri Ganapati

Durva

This word is derived from ‘duhu’ and ‘avam’. ‘Duhu’ means that which is far away and ‘avam’ means that which brings closer. Thus, that which brings the distant Pavitraks (Subtlemost particles) of Shri Ganapati closer is the durva.

How many durva should be offered ?

Odd numbers are associated with the Shaktitattva (Divine Energy Principle). Durva is mostly offered in odd numbers (minimum of 3 or 5, 7, 21 etc.). This facilitates entry of Shakti into the Idol to a greater extent.

How to offer durva ?

• The entire body of Ganapati Idol, excluding the face, should be covered with durva. In this manner, the fragrance of durva will spread around the Idol.

• Since the Idol is covered with durva, this fragrance will assume the form of the Ganapati Idol and facilitate attraction of Pavitraks of Shri Ganapati to this form.

• This is known as ‘awakening the Idol’. To retain the Pavitraks in the Ganapati Idol, durva is changed thrice a day. That is why, ritualistic worship is performed thrice a day.

Red substances

The complexion of Shri Ganapati is red. Red clothes, red flowers and rakta-chandan are used in His ritualistic wor­ship. The red of these substances attracts Pavitraks of Shri Ganapati that are present in the atmosphere to the Idol to a greater extent and helps in its awakening. Since this is difficult to understand, the subject is concluded by saying that Shri Ganapati ‘loves’ red clothes, red flowers and red sandalwood !